Frequently Asked Questions

Q Can dragonflies fly upside down?A These acrobats have been known to
fly upside down at times.

Q How long do dragonflies live?A Adult dragonflies usually don't
live much more than two weeks. Most dragonflies don't die of old age but
are caught by predators. If they do survive, they still don't live
much longer than a maximum of two months.

Q How fast do dragonflies beat
their wings?A It is estimated in some species of Darners
to be around 28 beats per second.

Q Are the male and female dragonflies
different in color?A Males are frequently more brilliant
than females and often have different colors and patterns as well.

Q How do dragonflies steer?A Steering is done primarily by the wings;
the long slender abdomen is used to maintain balance.

Q During the larval stage, what
factors determine how quickly the dragonfly grows?A The dragonfly's larvae stage can be as
short as 10 days and as long as several years! Weather, environment
and genetics have the greatest influence.

Q Do dragonflies hear?A No, they reply solely on vision for navigation
and feeding.

Q Why do dragonflies seek food
in two different environments in their lifetime?A Young dragonflies (nymphs) feed
on small water animals. As adults dragonflies can travel greater distances
and heights and feed on flying insects.

Q How long does it take for dragonflies
to develop their full colors?A The newly emerged adult (commonly referred
to as teneral) may take up to 1-2 weeks to develop its full color.

Q Are dragonflies cannibalistic?A They eat mostly other insects including
other dragonflies; I have never known one yet to eat people.

Q How is it that a dragonfly can
move his two pair of wings independently and still be an excellent flier?A Because dragonflies time the stroke of
the hind pair so that they meet the oncoming air before it has been distributed
by the front pair of wings.

Q Do dragonflies bite?A If you put your finger next to a
captured dragonfly, it may give you a little pinch with its powerful jaws
but not hard enough to make you bleed.

Q Can I watch dragonflies only
on sunny days?A For the most part, yes. Some
of the hardier species, however, will occasionally fly on overcast days.

Q Where can I meet with others
like me, who enjoy the hobby of dragonfly watching?A There are several organizations that sponsor
workshops, seminars and field trips. To view these CLICK HERE.

Q How can I attract dragonflies
to my backyard?A Unlike butterflies that are attracted
by flowers, dragonflies are attracted by water. Installing a small pond
will surely bring you some visitors.

Q What if I cannot properly identify
a dragonfly even after having looked at the field guides?A There are many people out there like yourself
who are just learning, and many people out there who would be more than
happy to share their knowledge on the subject. CLICK HERE TO FIND SOMEONE
IN YOUR AREA.

Q How fast can a dragonfly fly?A Cruising speed of 24 mph has been recorded
but they have been known to reach speeds of up to 35 mph.

Q Where can I find and collect dragonfly
larvae?A In almost any body of water - rivers,
brooks, ponds and lakes - either in bottom sand or silt or hanging on weeds
or vegetation around the waters edge. I have found many in open areas
such as on rocks and bridge structures.

Q I've noticed the wings on some
dragonflies worn or torn. What is this from?A Worn wings are like "dragonfly wrinkles";
it is a sign of age.

Q What is meant by incomplete
metamorphosis?A It is an indirect metamorphosis in which
the immature stages do not change directly to the adult but pass through
an intermediate form.

Q What is meant then by complete
metamorphosis?A It is a direct metamorphosis in which
the immature stage changes directly to the adult form such as what the butterfly
does.

Q Are dragonflies beneficial to
man?A On the whole they probably are since many
of them kill a great number of mosquitoes and black flies as nymphs as well
as adults. They are also very important indicators of water quality.

Q Are there government regulations
on the collecting of insects?A You should never attempt to catch an
endangered species no matter where you are. Various local, state,
and federal properties have regulations governing capture and collection.
Be sure you know what the rules are before you start swinging your net!

Q Can I send live dragonflies through
the mail?A It is extremely difficult! You would
need a permit from the Chief of the Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine
to send live dragonflies via the post office.